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Romeo Crennel did not enjoy a huge deal of success after leaving New England, posting a record of 24-40 in four seasons in Cleveland. Say this for Crennel, though: Of all the former Bill Belichick assistants to leave town, he's one of the few that didn't leave scortched earth in his wake.

Not many of Belichick's former disciples can make the same claim. Eric Mangini and Josh McDaniels' relationships with Belichick turned downright antagonistic, while Charlie Weis' ego simply became too large to be housed in the same offices as Belichick.

The negative relationships say as much about the coaching profession as they do about the personalities. Belichick leads the Patriots on Sunday against the Giants, coached by Tom Coughlin, a fellow product of Bill Parcells' great Giants teams. Belichick and Coughlin were known to have their own conflicts with Parcells, proving that great minds can acheive great things when they work together, but usually the time comes where they need to part ways.

While the buzz about Crennel hit its peak around his departure from New England in 2004, at least he is still plying his trade in the NFL as defensive coordinator in Kansas City. Mangini's star fell fast, Weis is back in college football as offensive coordinator of the Florida Gators and McDaniels is damaged goods.

At least one former Belichick assistant's star is on the rise, though. Rob Ryan, the Patriots' linebackers coach from 2000-03, has turned into a hot name as the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. Being just as boisterous as brother Rex Ryan helps get his name in the headlines, of course.

It's safe to say none of these coaches will return to coach under Belichick any time soon. But if the Patriots could capture that coaching magic one more time, which assistant would you like it to be with?